Annual golf classic ‘putts’ over €8,000 into JADD respite fund

OVER €8,000 was raised for the Jobstown-based drug project JADD at their annual Golf Classic at Slade Valley Golf Club in Saggart on Friday.

A total of 23 teams competed on the day, with the funds raised being used for the service’s respite break which provides opportunities for local families affected by addiction to go on holidays.

The money will be used to retrospectively fund the JADD respite breaks to Center Parcs in Longford, which took place last month and saw 14 families from the Tallaght area get to go on a break.

Tommy Gilson, the manager of JADD, told The Echo: “We work with the whole family in JADD, and many of them are in poverty and a lot of the children live in poverty.

“They don’t get respite from living with substance use in the family, so we give them respite from stress and strain.

“We get the respite break evaluated every year, and the families tell the researcher about relationships being strengthened, kids having fun and not walking on eggshells at home.

“There is a dynamic change where there is substance use in the household, but all of that is lifted [during the respite break].”

The initiative has been widely supported by the community, with Eamonn Devoy from Mulcahy Technical Services, Newbridge Silverware, Fields Jewellers, office equipment supplier MJ Flood and Shamrock Rovers generously sponsoring and donating prizes for the Golf Classic.

A number of the golf teams on the day also saw success, with Margaret Lonergan’s team placing first, Myles McGuire’s team was second, while Austin Kealy’s team was third.

Commenting on the success of the Golf Classic, Mr Gilson said: “It was incredible. You’re talking about a number of individuals who strongly believe in our vision.

“It was electric. There was a brilliant atmosphere, and the weather was fantastic.”

A total of €8,750 was raised on the day, marking the 11th successful year of the JADD Golf Classic.

Jacinta Keegan from JADD added: “We had a fabulous array of prizes for this year’s raffle, we were blessed with our supporters and sponsors.

“And there was a great buzz on the golf course – some of the golfers said it felt like they were playing on the continent!”

Plans are already being put in place for next year’s JADD Golf Classic, which is being devised by the JADD golfing committee who are hoping to build on the success of this year’s event.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.